Community-Led Housing Scheme Saves Wooler Post Office and Brings Affordable Housing

Strategic Insights -

A community-led housing scheme in Northumberland has successfully saved the local post office and provided additional affordable housing for the area. The Glendale Gateway Trust (GGT) was awarded £100k through the Northumberland County Council's Community Led Housing Fund and £50k from a S106 housing developer fund to purchase and convert the upstairs flat into a rented property. The project has been made possible through the contributions of local community members, Barmoor Windfarm, and Wooler Parish Council.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Glendale Gateway Trust (GGT) was awarded £100k from the Northumberland County Council's Community Led Housing Fund and £50k from a S106 housing developer fund to purchase the upstairs flat and convert it into a rented property.
  • The project aimed to save the local post office, which was at risk of closure due to the retirement of the current Postmaster in September 2024.
  • The community-led scheme has brought together local postmasters, Shi Shi and Ally, with GGT to work on the project.
  • Northumberland County Councillor, Cabinet Member for Housing Colin Horncastle emphasized that the provision of affordable housing remains a top priority for the council, investing heavily to address the issue.
  • The scheme has converted an existing old building into a safe, comfortable, and affordable home for a local family in housing need.
  • The project has shown the success of community-led housing schemes in addressing local needs and bringing communities together.
  • The new postmasters, Shi Shi and Ally, have been serving around 600-800 customers each week since opening the door in mid-April.
  • The scheme has also secured funding to purchase the Post Office element of the building, ensuring it remains open for the town.

Statistics:

  • £100k was awarded to the GGT from the Northumberland County Council's Community Led Housing Fund.
  • £50k was awarded from a S106 housing developer fund.
  • The new postmasters have been serving around 600-800 customers each week.
  • The project aimed to address the issue of affordable housing in the area.
  • Eleven affordable homes were provided on the new Kingsmeade Estate in Wooler in 2021.

Sources:

  • Northumberland County Council awarding £100k to the Glendale Gateway Trust through the Community Led Housing Fund.
  • £50k being awarded from a S106 housing developer fund.
  • Barmoor Windfarm providing a generous donation to support the project.
  • Wooler Parish Council contributing to the project's success.
  • Glendale Gateway Trust purchasing the upstairs flat and converting it into a rented property.
  • The project aiming to save the local post office and providing affordable housing for the area.